Wanyonyi brings down Nyayo with fastest time since Rudisha's record

In a spectacular 800m final at the Nyayo National Stadium, world silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi went out hard against a stacked field to run the fastest time ever recorded in Africa in his specialty. 

Clocking 1:41.70, at the Athletics Kenya Paris Olympics trials, Wanyonyi assured himself automatic qualification to what will be his first-ever Summer Games. 

Having qualified for the final via an appeal, after being tripped in the semis to finish last, Wanyonyi who has been touted as heir to David Rudisha's throne, made sure no mistakes were made, running from the front as promised after his tumble on Friday. 

Staying with the leading pack 600m, Wanyonyi turned on the turbo with 200m to go and neither Wycliffe Kinyamal nor Koitatoi Kidali, who chose to go after him, could keep up as he put a gap between him and the rest of the field to become the third fastest runner in his distance, a result achieved at altitude. 

"I ran with a swollen foot after the fall yesterday and I did not want to make a similar mistake and I am happy to have won and qualified. The easy part is over, there is more to do as we head to the Olympics. We need all the support," Wanyonyi said after the race

Commonwealth Games champion Kinyamal settled for second place in 1:42.50 to book the other automatic slot to the Games. 

Kidali clocked 1:42.66 to put himself in prime position for selection to Team Kenya ahead of Africa silver medalist Alex Ngeno.